The origin of the "alpha/beta" test terminology is IBM. As long ago as the 1950's (and probably earlier), IBM used similar terminology for their hardware development. "A" test was the verification of a new product prior to public announcement. "B" test was the verification prior to releasing the product to be manufactured. And "C" test was the final test prior to general availability of the product. As software became a significant part of IBM's offerings, the alpha test terminology was used to denote the pre-announcement test and beta test was used to show product readiness for general availability. Martin Belsky, a manager on some of IBM's earlier software projects claimed to have invented the terminology. IBM dropped the alpha/beta terminology during the 1960's, but by then it had gotte
Attributes | Values |
---|---|
rdfs:label |
|
rdfs:comment |
|
sameAs | |
dcterms:subject | |
dbkwik:ultimatepop...iPageUsesTemplate | |
abstract |
|